Cherry Cheesecake Dip Recipe – A Sweet and Easy Summer Treat

This cherry cheesecake dip is the perfect summer dessert. It has all the flavor of a classic cherry cheesecake, but without the need to turn on your oven.

It’s light, creamy, and full of sweet and tart cherry flavor that hits the spot on a hot day. And the best part? You can make it up in less than 15 minutes with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

This recipe uses a handful of pantry and freezer staples to create a rich, creamy dip that’s perfect for pairing with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, biscotti cookies or fresh summer fruit.

If you want a sweet treat for two, this cherry cheesecake dip is a great choice. It’s quick, easy, and is sure to become your new favorite summer dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cheesecake Dip

No baking required.
This is a no-bake recipe that’s cool and refreshing – ideal for those hot summer days. You don’t need to turn on the oven and the cherry topping comes together in minute on the stovetop.

Small batch friendly.
With just 4 ounces of cream cheese and a small handful of ingredients, this dip is perfect for two people. You’ll get just the right amount without having to deal with lots of (guilty pleasure) leftovers.

Simple ingredients.
This cherry cheesecake dip recipe uses everyday ingredients like cream cheese, Greek yogurt, brown sugar, butter, and frozen cherries. Not to mention that there’s no need to buy a canned pie filling topping that will leave you searching for other ways to use it. However if you do have a can cherry pie filling save it to make Cherry Hand Pies!

Customizable and versatile.
While the cherry topping is a standout here, you could easily swap in other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even diced peaches if cherries aren’t your thing. In fact, the creamy base works with just about anything.

Cherry Cheesecake Dip Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• Cream cheese (4 ounces): The base of the dip. Make sure it’s softened so you can whip it until smooth and fluffy.
• Plain Greek yogurt (1/4 cup): Adds tang and lightens up the richness of the cream cheese.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): For that classic cheesecake flavor.
• Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Helps melt the brown sugar and it also adds a buttery depth.
• Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a caramel-like sweetness that balances out the tart cherries.
• Frozen tart cherries (1/2 cup): No need to thaw them in advance. Tart cherries give a nice punch to the dip.
• Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Used to sweeten the cherries during cooking.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the cherry topping so it’s spoonable but not runny.

INSTRUCTIONS: Cherry Cheesecake Dip

1. Start with the cream cheese base.
In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on high speed and don’t be afraid to really whip it. You want the mixture to be light, fluffy, and completely free of lumps. The longer you beat it, the better it gets.

2. Make the brown sugar-butter swirl.
In a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Let it gently sizzle, and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This mixture smells amazing – like the start of a caramel sauce.

3. Combine.
Pour the warm brown sugar-butter mixture into the whipped cream cheese mixture. Beat again until smooth. This adds richness and a warm sweetness to your cherry cheesecake dip.

4. Prepare the cherry topping.
Add the frozen tart cherries, granulated sugar, and a splash of water to a small saucepan. Then turn the heat to low and let the cherries thaw and start releasing their juices. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re soft and a little bubbly.

5. Thicken the cherry topping.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and one tablespoon of cold water. Make sure there are no lumps. Pour this into the cherry mixture and stir constantly until the sauce thickens. It will take just a few minutes.

6. Let it cool, then layer.
Allow the cherry topping to cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the creamy dip. Then spoon it over the top or swirl it in. You can serve it right away or chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.

What to Serve with Cherry Cheesecake Dip

This dip is sweet, creamy, and a little tangy, so it goes great with a variety of dippers. Here are some ideas:

• Graham crackers – The classic pairing. It tastes just like cheesecake crust. *Be sure to try chocolate graham crackers if you can find them.
• Vanilla wafers – Soft and sweet, they compliment the dip perfectly.
• Pretzels – If you like a salty-sweet combo, this is a great option.
• Apple slices or fresh strawberries – A refreshing way to enjoy this dip during the hot summer months.
• Mini cookies or biscotti pieces – For a more dessert-like presentation.

Tips for Making the Best Cherry Cheesecake Dip

Use softened cream cheese.
Cold cream cheese is hard to whip and can leave lumps. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.

Beat the base well.
Don’t rush the mixing step. The more you whip the cream cheese mixture, the lighter and fluffier the dip will be. It’s worth taking the extra minute or two.

Make the cherry topping ahead.
If you want to save time, you can make the cherry topping earlier in the day and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Just give it a quick stir before adding it to the dip.

Cool the topping before adding.
Warm fruit topping will melt the creamy base. Let it cool slightly so everything stays smooth and thick.

Double the recipe if needed.
This recipe makes a small amount, perfect for two people or a light dessert. But it’s easy to double or even triple if you’re serving more.

Why Frozen Tart Cherries Work So Well

Tart cherries have a bold flavor that balances out the creamy sweetness of the cheesecake base. While sweet cherries are great for snacking, tart cherries are better in dessert recipes like this.

And the fact that this recipe uses frozen cherries means you can enjoy this dip even if cherry season has passed. Frozen cherries are picked at their peak and flash-frozen, so you get great flavor and texture no matter what time of year it is.

Storage and Leftovers

If you have leftovers you can store your cherry cheesecake dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cherry topping may firm up slightly as it chills, but you can give it a gentle stir before serving again.

This is one of those easy summer desserts that’ll disappear fast – so don’t be afraid to make extra.

Enjoy! Mary

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